Showing all Releases for 2012

Stormont-Vail Foundation receives $25,000 from the Walmart Foundation to support the Care Line

Tuesday December 18, 2012

(Topeka, Kan., December 18, 2012) – The Stormont-Vail Foundation received a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation’s Kansas State Giving Program. The grant will be used to provide Care Line service to patients and families. Care Line is a program to provide emergency medical assistance to patients who have exhausted all other resources. It provides assistance for unmet emergency needs that often fall outside of the scope of regular health care such as: meal and gas vouchers, temporary lodging, transportation, clothing, durable medical goods, and prescriptions.

Care Line assistance fills a critical gap for patients as it serves as a bridge for patients to help begin their treatment and recovery and coordinates with other community assistance programs.

“In 2012, we saw an increase of 19 percent in the number of patients served, as well as an increase in the cost for services,” said Jane Mackey, President and Executive Director of the Stormont-Vail Foundation. “This funding is vital for the Care Line to serve more than 6,800 Northeast Kansans.”

“The Walmart Foundation is very pleased to be supporting the Stormont-Vail Foundation, and is committed to helping those in need in the communities where we serve,” said Ryan Irsik, Walmart Public Affairs and Government Relations. “Through this grant, we are hopeful that Kansans in need can be further served by this outstanding organization.”

About Stormont-Vail Foundation Founded in 1984, the Stormont-Vail Foundation provides voluntary gift support for Stormont-Vail patient care services and community health education programs including: Care Line, HealthWise 55 and Nursing Scholarships. To learn more about the Stormont-Vail Foundation, visit www.stormontvail.org.

About Philanthropy at Walmart Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the United States. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

(Topeka, Kan., Dec. 18, 2012) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services presented awards to 18 Kansas and Missouri hospitals for their success in increasing the number of organs available for transplantation. Stormont-Vail HealthCare received the Silver award.

Hospital executives, and Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) received the Department’s Medal of Honor for Organ Donation for achieving and sustaining national goals for donation, including a donation rate of 75 percent or more of eligible donors at their facilities. They were recognized at the 7th National Learning Congress for the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice in Grapevine, Texas, Oct. 4-5, 2012.

“Our success is greatly influenced by the success of our hospital partners,” said Jan Finn, MTN chief operations officer. “We would like to congratulate Stormont-Vail HealthCare and thank them for their support of our mission to save lives.”

MTN officials presented the Silver award to Stormont-Vail HealthCare senior leadership on Tuesday, Dec. 18. They also presented a memorial floragraph portrait that will be on the Donate Life float in the 2013 Rose Parade®. The floragraph is a memorial for Landon Mitchell who was a patient at Stormont-Vail in 2010 and donated his organs, tissue and cornea that helped more than 50 individuals.

Dr. Othman received her medical degree and completed an internship in pediatrics at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005. Following the completion of her medical internship, she relocated to the United States and began an internship followed by a residency in pediatrics at Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, affiliated with the University of Buffalo, Buffalo, N.Y., which she completed in 2009. She went on to complete a fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology at University Hospitals, Case Medical Center and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, in 2012. She has clinical interests in pediatric blood disorders including hemophilia and thrombosis; sickle cell disease; pediatric oncology, specifically, leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors.

She is a member of Children's Oncology Group, the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Lebanese Order of Physicians. She fluently speaks and writes in English, French and Arabic.

Dr. Othman is currently accepting new patients through physician referral. For more information about this physician, call the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center at (785) 354-5300 or toll-free at (800) 354-0091.

Stormont-Vail MRI Center of Kansas Plans Open House; High-Field Open Magnet Star of the Show

Wednesday November 7, 2012

(Topeka, Kan., Nov. 7, 2012) - An open house that showcases a new high-field, open MRI at the Stormont-Vail MRI Center of Kansas will be 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 . The Stormont-Vail MRI Center of Kansas is located at 731 S.W. Mulvane in Topeka. The community is welcome to come see the newly remodeled facility and meet the staff.

The new high-powered MRI was installed in September and creates a high-quality exam for excellent diagnosis, while the open space results in increased patient comfort. This style of MRI is appropriate for pediatric patients and allows parents to talk to and reassure a child during the exam. It is also provides a better experience for people who cannot tolerate the traditional “donut-style” MRI because it gives the patient an unobstructed view to both the left and right. The new MRI technology provides breast MRI and biopsy, and also accommodates patients who need orthopedic imaging with easier positioning and tolerance.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is one form of imaging used by physicians to obtain clinically useful diagnostic information. By incorporating advanced technology, MRI produces images of anatomy without the use of radiation required with other imaging modalities, such as X-ray or computed tomography.

MRI combines the physical properties of strong magnetic fields with radio waves to produce computer generated soft tissue images within any plane of the body. MRI can be used as a primary diagnostic tool to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis for your physician.

Stormont-Vail MRI Center of Kansas changed its name earlier this year to better display its affiliation with Stormont-Vail HealthCare. The center is an outpatient department of Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. The center also has expanded hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

(Topeka, Kan., Oct. 31, 2012) - Stormont-Vail HealthCare is proud to welcome three additional adult hospitalists to the team of physicians managing the care of hospitalized patients.

Traci Cuevas, M.D. Dr. Cuevas has returned to the Stormont-Vail Hospitalist program after two years practicing as a hospitalist at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Dr. Cuevas received her medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, in 2006. She completed a residency in internal medicine at the Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, in 2009.

Dr. Cuevas is a member of the Society of Hospital Medicine and the American College of Physicians.

Feras Ghosheh, M.D. Dr. Ghosheh received his doctor of medicine degree at Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine, in 2004. He completed a one-year internship at Jordan Hospital, Amman, Jordan, in 2005. He then relocated to the U.S. and completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, in 2009.

Since 2009, Dr. Ghosheh has served as an assistant professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine. He has most recently practiced medicine at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka.

Jack Talaat Shenouda, M.D. Dr. Shenouda received his medical degree at Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, in 2004. He completed a one-year internship at Cairo University Hospital, in 2006. He was in private practice for three years in Cairo, Egypt, before relocating to the U.S. In 2009, he entered the University of Missouri - Kansas City, to begin a residency in internal medicine, which he completed in 2012. He is fluent in speaking and writing English and Arabic.

Stormont-Vail Sole Owner of ExcellENT Surgical Center

Monday October 1, 2012

Stormont-Vail HealthCare will become the sole owner of the ExcellENT Surgery Center at the northeast corner of S.W. 10th and Lane on October 1, 2012. The outpatient surgery center was opened in 2008 in partnership with Topeka Ear, Nose & Throat. Under the new arrangement, the Topeka Ear, Nose & Throat physicians will continue exclusive use of the surgery center as well as provide medical direction of all surgical services.

Topeka Ear, Nose & Throat will continue to have its medical practice in the same building, along with additional services such as hearing exams, hearing aids, speech therapy, and swallowing therapy.

Dr. Najm received his medical degree at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005, followed by an internship in internal medicine, in 2006. Upon his relocation to the United States, Dr. Najm completed an internship and residency, each two-year programs, in internal medicine at Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis, Ind., in 2009. He went on to complete a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, in 2012. He is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Thoracic Society. He fluently speaks and writes in English, French and Arabic.

As a pulmonologist, Dr. Najm diagnoses and manages all disorders of the lung and pulmonary circulatory system, including acute and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, dyspnea, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, pneumonia and critical care medicine. He has a specific clinical interest in pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Najm will also be a member of the Stormont-Vail Intensivist Program and will make daily rounds in the intensive care unit to care for hospitalized patients with critical respiratory illnesses.

Dr. Najm is currently accepting new patients through physician referral. For more information about this physician, call the Cotton-O'Neil Clinic at (785) 354-9591.

Prior to coming to Topeka, Dr. Nasseri was in practice at the Urology Center of the Rockies, P.C., in Fort Collins, Colo. He received his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, in 1992. He then completed a residency in urology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City. He has practiced urology since 1997.

Dr. Nasseri is a member of the American Urological Association. His practice will be primarily focused on adult general urology with clinical interests in kidney stone disease, disorders of the prostate and urologic cancers.

He is currently accepting new patients through physician referral. For more information about this physician, talk with your primary care physician or call Cotton-O'Neil Clinic - Urology, (785) 270-4355

Dr. Wilson received his medical degree at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine in 2005. He completed a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Missouri– Kansas City, in 2011. He also completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at the University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, Ky., in 2012. His clinical interests include: orthopaedic sports medicine, arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery, athletic team coverage and education, and total joint replacement surgery.

Dr. Wilson is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, The Gold Humanism Medical Honor Society, the Metropolitan Medical Society of Greater Kansas City, and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Correa received his medical degree at Universidad Catolica Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 1999. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the Hospital of Saint Raphael, which is an academic health center affiliated with Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., in 2005. He went on to complete a fellowship in endocrinology at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Conn., in 2007.

He taught as a professor of medicine at Brown University from 2008 to the time of his relocation to the Midwest. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, The Endocrine Society, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. His clinical interests include: diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disorders, and endocrine and metabolism disorders.

Dr. Correa is currently accepting new patients through physician referral. For more information about this physician, talk with your physician or call the Cotton-O'Neil Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, (785) 354-9591.

Dr. Sartain, a native of Kansas City, received her medical degree at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, in 2009, followed by a residency in emergency medicine, at University of Missouri, Kansas City, in 2012. During her final year of residency, Dr. Sartain was the chief resident of her class.

She is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Emergency Medicine Residents' Association.

(Topeka, Kan., Aug. 2, 2012) - Stormont-Vail HealthCare and Cotton-O'Neil Clinic announce that hematologist/oncologist Mehmood Hussain Hashmi, M.D., has joined the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave, Topeka. Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Hashmi has most recently practiced as an Oncology Hospitalist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.

Dr. Hashmi received his medical degree at Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan, in 1997. He trained in general medicine and surgery at Dow Medical College, from 1997 through 1998. In 1999, he completed training in internal medicine and related specialties, including renal medicine and transplantation medicine at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation in Karachi, Pakistan. Upon his relocation to the United States, Dr. Hashmi completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, in 2004. He practiced as a hospitalist at the Eastern Kansas VA Health Care System, Topeka, from 2004 to 2008. He then pursued a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, which he completed in June 2012. He has completed sub-fellowships in breast oncology and clinical-transitional research at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Dr. Hashmi is Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and an associate member of the American Society of Hematology. He has clinical interests in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer related to the prostate, breast, lung, kidneys, bladder, testes, head and neck, as well as myeloma and lymphoma.

He is currently accepting new patient consultations through physician referral.

Medical Associates of Manhattan to Join Stormont-Vail HealthCare System of Care

Wednesday July 25, 2012

(Topeka, Kan., July 25, 2012) Medical Associates of Manhattan, a medical clinic with a long history of providing exceptional care in the Manhattan region, has made the decision to join Cotton-O'Neil Clinic, a division of Stormont-Vail HealthCare, effective Aug. 1, 2012.

"My colleagues and I have discussed this transition for months and feel this is not only a good decision for our clinic but also provides a strengthened foundation to maintain and grow our ability to care for our patients and the community. We are extremely proud to be part of the Stormont-Vail system of care and want our patients to know this relationship only strengthens our ability to care for them," said Scott Coonrod, M.D., internal medicine physician, Medical Associates of Manhattan.

The transition will be virtually invisible to patients. The staff will continue to provide the same level of care in Manhattan.

Medical Associates of Manhattan is located at 1133 College Ave., Suite E-110, in Manhattan.

(Topeka, Kan., July 24, 2012) – Stormont-Vail HealthCare and Cotton-O'Neil Clinic announce the addition of Fouad Antoine Medlej, M.D., to the pediatric hospitalist program. Dr. Medlej is now caring for sick or injured pediatric patients who are hospitalized at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center.

Dr. Medlej received his medical degree as well as additional training in general pediatrics from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, in 2007. This university collaborates with many prestigious universities, including Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where Dr. Medlej completed a clerkship in pediatric hematology in 2007. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, St. Louis, Mo., in 2012. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and fluently speaks English, French and Arabic.

Stormont-Vail HealthCare is Re-Verified as a Level II Trauma Center

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Topeka, Kan., July 24, 2012 – Stormont-Vail HealthCare has been re-verified as a Level II trauma center by the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement recognizes the Trauma Center's dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients. Verification by the ACS is the highest level of designation a trauma center can receive.Having a verified trauma program offers several advantages to patients:

Critically injured patients meeting our trauma activation criteria are met in the Trauma Unit by a team consisting of a trauma surgeon, emergency, ICU, OR, and surgical floor nurses, lab and radiology technicians, a respiratory therapist, and an anesthesiologist upon arrival, saving valuable time during the critical period after a traumatic injury.

Once patients are stabilized and beginning their recovery, they continue to be cared for by a specialized trauma team. A team comprised of a trauma surgeon, trauma physician assistant, pharmacist, chaplain, physical therapist, dietitian, social worker, case manager and a registered nurse care for trauma patients each day during their hospital stay.

This team approach has improved patient outcomes and decreased mortality and length of stay. Research shows that an organized approach to trauma care reduces mortality by 20 to 30 percent.

Level II trauma centers also must have 24/7 neurosurgery coverage. Excluding the Kansas City Metro Area, Stormont-Vail HealthCare is the only hospital in northeast Kansas to have this level of neurosurgery coverage.

"When minutes – even seconds – count, having the right people in the right place with the right resources will save lives," said William Sachs, M.D., who serves as Stormont-Vail TraumaCare's medical director.

Stormont-Vail WoundCare Center Moving to New Location

Monday July 23, 2012

(Topeka, Kan., July 23, 2012) – The Stormont-Vail WoundCareCenter has outgrown its space at 6th and Frazier and will be relocating to the lower level of 823 S.W. Mulvane St. on July 27 and 30. Patients will begin to be cared for at the new location on Tuesday, July 31. The new location includes a larger waiting room and three additional exam rooms. The phone and fax numbers for the center will remain the same.

Since opening its doors eight years ago, the Stormont-Vail WoundCare Center has healed more than 2,000 hard to heal wounds. Dedicated to the management of chronic, non-healing wounds, the center brings together an integrated team of professionals (two of which are clinical wound care specialists) that includes general and orthopedic surgeons, internal medicine physicians and podiatrists. The center also boasts a full-time nursing staff, educated and experienced with wounds and the special dressings and wrappings necessary to create a healing environment.

Services at the center are designed to help patients significantly improve their quality of life. These services include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO), compression therapy, surgical debridement and other adjunct therapy including human skin equivalents and wound vac. For more information on the Stormont-Vail WoundCareCenter, ask your physician for a referral or call the center directly at (785) 368-0400.

The Stormont-Vail WoundCare Center¨ is owned by Stormont-Vail HealthCare and managed by Healogics.

(Topeka, Kan., June 18, 2012) – After 35 years of dedicated patient care, Robert Braun, M.D., gastroenterologist at the Cotton-O'Neil Digestive Health Center, has announced he is retiring effective Friday, June 29, 2012.

Public Retirement Reception for Robert Braun, M.D.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Employee Reception: 2 to 3 p.m.

Public Reception: 3 to 5 p.m.

Cotton-O'Neil Digestive Health Center

720 S.W. Lane St., Topeka

Robert Braun, M.D., is a graduate of Rockhurst College, Kansas City, Mo, in 1966. He received his medical degree at the University of Missouri Medical School, Columbia, Mo., in 1970. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1977. He is also a member of the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Dr. Braun served in the U.S. Army Medical Corp, Fort Riley from 1974 to 1976. He served his community by being active in Boy Scouts of America at the troop and council levels. He is a 32-degree Mason and member of Shriners International.

Dr. Braun shared the following message of thanks to those who he's encountered throughout his career as a physician, "I want to express sincere gratitude to my family for their support and understanding of the time commitment and absences from family affairs required in the practice of medicine. To my patients and their families, thank you for your trust in me as I cared for your loved ones. To my nursing staff, thank you for your support, which made me a better physician. All of these relationships have provided me the greatest rewards in the practice of medicine," said Dr. Braun. "Finally, I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for gifting me with the ability and opportunity to practice medicine for these many years."

(Topeka, Kan., June 18, 2012) – After 26 years of dedicated patient care, Gerald Marcell, M.D., family medicine at Cotton-O'Neil Clinic – Carbondale, has announced he is retiring effective June 30, 2012. "It is with mixed emotions that I came to the decision to retire from my practice but I know my patients will be left in the very capable hands of my partners Dr. Alleyne and Dr. Penn," said Dr. Marcell. "I have valued every patient and thank each one for their loyalty and trust over the years."

Gerald Marcell MD, FAAFP, received his medical degree at the University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, in 1983. He completed a residency in family medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, in 1986. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Marcell practiced at Cotton-O'Neil Clinic in Lyndon prior to joining Cotton-O'Neil Clinic – Carbondale in 1993. During his career he has mentored many first and fourth year medical students from the University of Kansas Medical School of Medicine.

In his retirement, Dr. Marcell said he looks forward to fishing, relaxing on his boat and catching up on projects around the house.

(Topeka, Kan., June 12, 2012) - Stormont-Vail HealthCare has been granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), for its compliance with standards set by the CoC for superior cancer programs. This is the second time Stormont-Vail's cancer program has achieved this status.

Accreditation by the CoC is given only to those facilities that are dedicated to providing the highest level of quality cancer care. A facility receives accreditation by a physician surveyor following an on-site evaluation in which the facility demonstrates a Commendation level of compliance with standards such as cancer data management, clinical services, and quality improvement.

Stormont-Vail's cancer center is located at 1414 S.W. 8th Ave. in Topeka, and provides access to excellent medical oncology and radiation therapy programs for both children and adult patients. The cancer center has also been recently accredited for its Radiation Therapy services by the American College of Radiology.

Eagles Give to Cotton-O'Neil Cancer Center's Research Department

Monday June 11, 2012

(Topeka, Kan., June 11, 2012) – A fraternal organization has given $32,839 to the Clinical Research Department at the Cotton-O'Neil Cancer Center, part of the Stormont-Vail HealthCare family. The cancer center has been designated as the recipient of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Presidents Statewide Charity.

The donation was presented over the weekend at the Eagles' state convention in Great Bend. It will be used for cancer research.

Currently, the Research Department at the cancer center is tracking 395 patients and 95 clinical research trials. Since 1978, the program has enrolled approximately 1,580 patients in research trials.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles is an international non-profit organization uniting fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.

The Cotton-O'Neil Cancer Center is located at 1414 S.W. 8th Ave., in Topeka, and provides access to a full radiation therapy program as well as medical oncology for both children and adult patients.

The cancer center recently achieved accreditation for its Radiation Therapy services through the American College of Radiology (ACR). It is the only ACR-accredited radiation oncology treatment facility in Kansas. It was also re-accredited with commendation as a Comprehensive Cancer Program by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

DaVita Acquires Kansas Dialysis Services

TOPEKA — June 1, 2012 – St. Francis Health Center and Stormont-Vail HealthCare are pleased to announce DaVita, a leading provider of kidney care, has acquired the dialysis practice of Kansas Dialysis Services in Topeka, Lawrence, Ottawa and Sabetha, effective today.

Currently, KDS provides outpatient, inpatient and home dialysis care to 350 patients in the four Kansas cities. The physicians, nurses and staff will stay employed at each facility to ensure patient care continues uninterrupted.

“For many reasons, we believe this is the time for KDS to partner with DaVita,” said Scott Solcher, MD, FACP, KDS medical director. “DaVita is the world leader in proving superior dialysis services, and I am confident our patients will continue to receive outstanding care in the communities we serve.”

”We look forward to continuing to provide the highest quality care to KDS patients,” said Colleen Kasson, divisional vice president at DaVita. “Almost as exciting to us is bringing the patients and team into the DaVita Village, where we think and act like a community first and a company second.”

Kansas Dialysis Services, owned by affiliates of St. Francis Health Center and Stormont-Vail HealthCare, has served northeast Kansas with high-quality kidney dialysis for more than 20 years. DaVita will continue to have a working relationship with both organizations.

(Topeka, Kan., May 21, 2012) – In honor of Stormont-Vail HealthCare CEO Maynard Oliverius’ many years of service to the organization, the Stormont-Vail Auxiliary has established the Maynard Oliverius Youth Leadership in Health Care Scholarship endowment fund. Barbara Brammell, President of the Auxiliary, presented a certificate of appreciation to Oliverius for his many years of support of the Auxiliary. Brammell also announced that the Auxiliary’s first pledge of $12,500, which was presented to Oliverius by Jane Mackey, Stormont-Vail Foundation President, represents a multi-year commitment totaling more than $100,000.

The scholarship is a revision of the Volunteer Services Youth Scholarship Program and will award up to $2,500 per year. The Maynard Oliverius Youth Leadership in Health Care Scholarship was designed to assist students interested in careers in the medical field. The first scholarship will be awarded in the Fall2012 semester.

Eligibility Criteria

Any high school senior or college student who has been accepted at a two or four year college or university in – a program leading to certification, licensure, registration or other qualification to perform in a medical or allied health field.

Completed a minimum of 50 hours of voluntary service at Stormont-Vail HealthCare in the past three years. Maintained a GPA of 2.5 or above. (high school and college)

Demonstrated financial need.

Priority given to students attending Fort Hays State University.

This gift from the Auxiliary to the Foundation is among one of largest single gifts from the Auxiliary.

(Topeka, Kan., May 18, 2012) – After 37 years of caring for Topeka area families, Robert Jacoby, M.D., FAAFP, family medicine and obstetric physician, is retiring May 23, 2012, along with his wife, Anita Jacoby, RN, APRN, who has practiced nursing for a total of 39 years and has been an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) for the last 28 years her career.

Robert Jacoby, M.D., FAAFP, is a Topeka native and graduate of Topeka West High School. He received his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, in 1972. While at Johns Hopkins, he received a Commonwealth Fund grant to conduct a 6-month medical care study in Scotland. He completed his family medicine residency at the University of Kansas, Kansas City, in 1974, where he was a member of the first graduating class of family medicine physicians at the University of Kansas. He returned to Topeka in 1975 to begin his own practice called Family Practice, PA.

In 1990, Dr. Jacoby and his group were recruited to join Internal Medicine, PA, an internal medicine physician group in Topeka. This consolidation grew to become Cotton-O'Neil Clinic five years later. "Dr. Jacoby provided great leadership for that transition and the Clinic now has a family medicine department with more than 35 family medicine physicians in 12 locations throughout northeast Kansas," said Kent Palmberg, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer, at Stormont-Vail HealthCare. "Dr. Jacoby is the patriarch and physician leader of the family physicians within Cotton-O'Neil Clinic."

Dr. Jacoby's strong leadership and passion for family medicine led him to be one of the founding members of the Topeka Family Medicine Residency program in 1990. He received the Kansas Family Physician of the Year distinction in 2011. He is the only family physician still providing care at the Shawnee County Maternal and Infant Clinic, and serves as a consultant physician. He volunteers at the Marian Clinic in Topeka. He has remained active in the United Way and the Rotary Club, and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians, the Kansas Medical Society, and the Kansas Medical Education Foundation. He has served on numerous boards as president, chairman and member.

Anita Jacoby, RN, APRN, joined Cotton-O'Neil Clinic in 1997. She received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing from Washburn University, Topeka, in 1978. She completed her certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, in 1984. She went on to complete a Master's degree in Nursing at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, in 1996. She has worked alongside her husband, Dr. Jacoby, since 1997.

Cotton-O'Neil Cancer Center Offers Free Skin Screening Clinic

(Topeka, Kan., March 29, 2012) – Cotton-O'Neil Cancer Center is sponsoring a free skin screening clinic for the community, and appointments are being accepted at this time.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States--almost half of all cancers are skin cancer. An estimated one in five people will get skin cancer in their lifetime.

Cotton-O'Neil dermatologists Michael Giessel, M.D., Matthew Ricks, M.D., and Timothy Sawyer, M.D., Topeka dermatologist Robert Durst, M.D., and dermatology residents from the University of Kansas School of Medicine will be available to check suspicious moles and other spots for signs of cancer, and determine whether further analysis is necessary.

The skin screening clinic will be held 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 28, at the Cotton-O'Neil Cancer Center, 1414 SW 8th Ave., Topeka.

Stormont-Vail HealthCare employees donate $281,087.76 to United Way

Thursday March 22, 2012

(Topeka, March 22, 2012) – Stormont-Vail HealthCare employees raised $281,087.76 for the United Way 2011 campaign. Donations were raised during the Stormont-Vail annual employee United Way campaign in October 2011.

“It is a pleasure to recognize the employees of Stormont-Vail for their generosity and commitment to the United Way Campaign,” said Maynard Oliverius, president and chief executive officer of Stormont-Vail HealthCare. “This level of giving is an indication that our employees live Stormont-Vail’s mission of ‘Working together to improve the health of our community’ in partnership with the United Way.”

Stormont-Vail employees were involved in a number of awareness events during October. The events included a skating party, cake walk, balloon pop, a pink flamingo “flock a co-worker” contest, a pizza lunch serving LaRocca’s pizza, and a gift basket contest consisting of 29 baskets donated by various departments within Stormont-Vail.

The gift basket contest allowed departments to fill a basket with goodies coinciding with a particular theme. Twenty-nine baskets were judged by Miriam Krehbiel, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Topeka, and Chris Fisher, WIBW-TV 13. Stormont-Vail employees then made donations for an opportunity to win the baskets.

The Stormont-Vail United Way Committee, under the direction of Matthew Herynk, Ph.D., oncology research and program development manager, organized the events for the United Way campaign 2011.

Krehbiel of the United Way of Greater Topeka attended a presentation at Stormont-Vail today and accepted the check.

Stormont-Vail Foundation Names New President and Executive Director

Monday February 13, 2012

(Topeka, Kan., Feb. 13, 2012) – The Stormont-Vail Foundation is pleased to announce Jane Mackey as the new President and Executive Director effective Monday, February 27, 2012. The announcement was made Monday, February 13 by Kevin Cassidy, Chairman of the Stormont-Vail Foundation Board of Trustees.

Mackey follows Don Schepker who recently retired after seven years in the President role. Mackey is not new to the Stormont-Vail Foundation, having previously served as President and Executive Director from 2000 – 2005. During that period she was responsible for organizing and coordinating the first capital campaign for the Foundation since its inception in 1982. That campaign exceeded its goal by successfully raising $5.7 million for the benefit of the Neonatal Intensive Care. Mackey was also responsible for other internal campaign initiatives including fund raising for the surgery suite addition in 2000. She established the Foundation’s first golf tournament in 2001, which continues today and annually raises money to fund programs such as the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care, Birthplace, Breastfeeding Clinic, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, SANE/SART and other children’s and adolescent programs.

Since leaving that role, Mackey gained additional experience in fundraising and development. Mackey is currently a consultant providing training, consultation and contract services to local not-for-profit organizations on Board development, fundraising and other management initiatives. Previously, she served as Vice President of Development and Marketing the for Kansas Children’s Service League and as a Vice President for Jeffrey Byrne & Associates, Inc. a national consulting group focusing on fundraising and development.

“Mackey’s education, previous history with the Stormont-Vail Foundation, knowledge of the region and leadership skills makes her the top choice for this position,” said Cassidy.

Maynard Oliverius, President and CEO, Stormont-Vail HealthCare, Inc., noted, “We are very fortunate Jane was available and chose to return to the Foundation. During her tenure, the Foundation experienced a period of significant growth and success that provided great benefit to the organization.”

Jane has served as President and CEO of the Topeka Blood Bank and was formerly on the Board of Directors of Stormont-Vail HealthCare, Inc., the parent Board of the health system.

Mackey said, “I am delighted to be returning to the Stormont-Vail Foundation and once again being part of Stormont-Vail HealthCare, an outstanding organization with a rich history of providing top-quality care to patients and families. The Foundation provides significant philanthropic support to Stormont-Vail and plays an important role in meeting the needs of patients, families, employees, students, volunteers and the community.”

Mackey holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Kansas. She also serves on the Topeka Symphony Endowment Board, Stormont-Vail Auxiliary Board, Leadership Greater Topeka Planning Committee, served as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals/Topeka Council on Philanthropy in 2010, member of Downtown Topeka Rotary Club). Jane and her husband Bob have one son and have lived in Topeka since 1976.

Stormont-Vail HealthCare and Midwest Cancer Alliance Launch New Program for Cancer Survivors

Thursday February 9, 2012

Topeka, Kan. (Feb 9, 2012) – Stormont-Vail HealthCare is offering a new program to help cancer survivors make the transition from active treatment to post-treatment care. Developed by the Cancer Support Community and LIVESTRONG, the program was created to bridge the gap between cancer treatment and life following cancer.

This is an important health care gap because according to a 2007 Institute of Medicine report, the 12 million cancer survivors in the U.S. face a heavy physical and psychological burden as they transition from cancer patient to survivor. In fact, cancer is increasingly being viewed for many as a chronic illness.

The free six-session program, Cancer Transitions: Moving Beyond Treatment™, will run in February and March. It will provide cancer survivors in northeast Kansas with information and tools to make the transition into living a full and productive life as a survivor. Sessions will address exercise, nutrition, emotional health, quality of life and medical management after cancer treatment ends.

The sessions will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 14, at the Cotton-O’Neil Cancer Center, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave., Topeka.

For more details and registration, call Matt Herynk at (785) 270-4981.

Expert panelists at the six sessions will include cancer specialist physicians, nutritionists and fitness experts who will discuss various topics. These subjects include:

Stormont-Vail HealthCare Announces new President & CEO

Tuesday January 24, 2012

Topeka, KS (10 a.m., January 24, 2012) – SueAnn Schultz, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Stormont-Vail HealthCare announced today that Randall L. Peterson will become the health care system’s next President and CEO. Peterson will replace retiring President and CEO Maynard Oliverius on or about June 1, 2012.

Schultz continued, “The Board is extremely pleased to make this announcement. Bringing someone to the helm with Peterson’s unique set of leadership skills, his knowledge of rural and urban health care in Kansas and a history of building relationships with doctors is perfect for Stormont-Vail. Peterson will continue the culture of partnering with doctors led by Maynard Oliverius for nearly two decades”.

Peterson, who comes to the CEO position with nearly 25 years of executive leadership experience said, “I am proud to join and lead the highly experienced team at Stormont-Vail. The Stormont-Vail and Cotton-O’Neil merger was on the forefront of hospital physician integration in America. Stormont-Vail has become a national model for how to partner with physicians. I look forward to building on that reputation.”

“I have known Randy for several years. He certainly understands our organization and will very quickly gain the trust and respect of our employed physicians,” said Kent Palmberg, MD, Stormont-Vail HealthCare senior vice president and Chief Medical Officer.

Oliverius who is retiring June 30, 2012 after serving 43 years at Stormont-Vail, including 15 years as President and CEO said, “I am very pleased and excited about the selection of Randy as our next President and CEO. He has been a friend and colleague for 25 years. There is no one in America that has a stronger resume or is more qualified to do this job than Randy. His knowledge of healthcare, the Kansas environment and his experience networking with hospitals and doctors makes him a perfect fit for Stormont-Vail and our culture.”

Peterson comes to Stormont-Vail from Via Christi Health in Wichita. There he served the multi-hospital system with more than 10,000 employees for five years. He is currently Senior Vice President of Via Christi Hospitals which includes the Via Christi Hospital on North St. Francis in Wichita, the largest hospital in Kansas. From December, 2010 until September, 2011 he served as Interim President and CEO for Via Christi Health. Prior to his roles at Via Christi he was at Salina Regional Health Center for 20 years, 9 of which was as President and CEO. There he assisted in the merger of two hospitals and the building of the 17-hospital, Sunflower Health Network. In addition to his executive experience Peterson has a clinical background as a physical therapist.

Peterson is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He holds a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences Administration, Wichita State University; a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Wichita State University; and a Bachelors of Science in Integrated Studies, University of Nebraska.

Peterson currently serves on the Newman University Board of Directors, the Wichita Center for Graduate Medical Education Board and Executive Committee, the Wichita Chamber of Commerce Board, the American Hospital Association Region 6 Policy Board and chairs the Health Care Access Improvement Panel, which oversees the Kansas Medicaid Provider Tax program. He has past service on the board and as chairman of the Kansas Hospital Association, the Kansas Health Ethics Board, the Kansas Arthritis Foundation, the Salina Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Salina and Junction City Rotary Club Boards and as Chair of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.

Peterson’s wife Christi is a marriage and family therapist. The couple has two married daughters, a speech pathologist and a veterinarian; they live in Minnesota and California.

Retirement Reception Announced for Stormont-Vail Foundation President and Executive Director

Monday January 16, 2012

(Topeka, Kan., Jan. 16, 2012) – As announced last week, Don Schepker, Stormont-Vail Foundation, President and Executive Director, will retire on February 3. Schepker will be honored at a retirement reception from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Feb. 1 in the Stormont-Vail Administration area. The reception is open to the community.

Schepker has served as President and Executive Director of the Stormont-Vail Foundation since April 2005. “Don has led the Foundation through a successful seven years and we will miss his leadership and vision,” said Kevin Cassidy, Chairman of the Stormont-Vail Foundation Board of Trustees.

Stormont-Vail HealthCare to host Career Discovery Day

Thursday January 12, 2012

(Topeka, Kan., Jan. 12, 2012) – Stormont-Vail HealthCare will be hosting forty-seven area middle and high school students for a Career Discovery Day. Representatives from Stormont-Vail, Cotton-O’Neil Clinic, Baker School of Nursing and Life Star will talk with students about career opportunities. Some of the areas providing hands-on information include The Birthplace, Surgery, Emergency and Trauma, Medical Imaging, Dietetics and Occupational and Physical Therapy. The media is invited to attend this event: